Continuous Weaving on a Tri Loom
Tri loom weaving can be done with one continuous yarn. If your yarn is thin or you want more color or texture you can use two or three stands together and weave them as one.
I am using a single thin yarn here to make it easier to see.
Start by tieing a slip knot in the loose end of your yarn. Leave the tail long enough to blend into the fringe or to be woven back into the shawl.
Put it over the first nail at the top of your loom and take the yarn across the loom just under the row of nails to the first nail on the other side of the top of your loom.
You do not want to pull the yarn tight. If you do not leave it slightly loose it will become almost to tight to weave when you get to the center of the shawl because of the take up caused by weaving over and under.
If you weave with the yarn stretched it will cause the shawl to become smaller after you remove it from the loom and the tension is released.
Wrap the yarn around the nail and bring it to the outside of the first nail on the side of the loom.
Take the yarn between the 2nd and the 3rd nails on the side and back across the loom to the other side.
Take the yarn around the outside of the 2nd nail on the side and up over the first row of yarn and over the top of the 2nd nail on the Top.
Weave the yarn under the first row and over the second row of yarn then hook it around the 3rd nail on the side.
Here is the Magic part of Tri Loom weaving with a Continuous thread. As you wove the yarn the other end of the yarn was also weaving through the rows of yarn for the other end of the loom.
Pull the bottom of the loop of yarn over to the other side and hook it around the third nail on the side.
Because of this double weaving caused by weaving with a loop in your yarn you only have to weave half the nails on the loom and plaids come out balanced on both sides of the shawl.
The weaving will fill in toward the middle from each side as you weave.
Now use your hook or fingers to weave under and over through the rows and pull your yarn down through the weaving,hook it over the side nail and take it across to the other side.
Hook it around a nail,straighten the weaving and continue weaving until you reach the middle of the shawl.
If you want to change colors or need to add more yarn see the directions for changing colors.
As you weave the rows will get pulled out of line somewhat.
I use a plastic hair pick with a pointed end to move them back.The pointed end can be used ot move individual rows or squares.
Every 5 or 10 rows check to see if your top row is still up against the nails and if any rows need to be straightened.
Also as you weave don't forget to check the tension on your yarn before you start weaving the next row. If it feels tight pull back a little yarn to loosen it before you weave the next row.
When your weaving reaches the middle stop and pull the end of your yarn down to measure the length you need to reach the bottom and make the fringe. Then add a little more as there is take up when you weave and you will have to tie a knot.
Much nicer to have to trim off a little extra rather then come up short.
I like to use a long tapestry needle to weave the final row. Thread your needle then weave down between the last two middle rows. Pull the yarn through and tie a knot at the bottom to secure your weaving.
Use a crochet hook to help ease the weaving off the nails and clear of the loom.
You may finish the shawl off by putting on a fringe before you take it off the loom (see How-To directions)or you can crochet or knit an edging around it.
To wash your shawl fold it into a shape that will fit into a tub or basin of warm soapy water. If it is made from a natural fiber that will felt don't agitate it. Gently press it down till it is covered then let it soak.
Non felting or shrinking yarns can be gently sloshed around to help clean them. support the shawl withyour hands an dlet the water drain then place it in clean water. Repeat the rinsing until the soap is gone.
Wrap the shawl in a towel and run it through the spin cycle only of the washing maching to force out most of the water. Lay the shawl out flat, pull into shape and let it dry.
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Revised March, 2004
Copyright © 2002-2004 B.A.Herdman